Tires for a noob

Hi yall, I havent even had my bike for a year yet, but I bought my bike knowing it would soon need tires. I have the red 1999 with about 10,000 on it. I dont really know much about anything when it comes to bike tires. I dont really even know which questions to ask. I am not much into stunting or racing. I do do some aggressive driving and corners, and have spent alot of time just doing long easy rides. The only thing I know about brands is I had a few people recommend Michelin Pilots, and I was told the Metzeler's that are on my bike suck. The tag on the bike does recommend some dunlop and bridgestones. I am not really to concerned on cost, as long as it benifits me to spend it. But thats about it. Any advice or pointing in a good direction would be appreciated thanks.

 

Put in a search here for tires and you will be even more confused than when you started... From what you described for needs I would recomend pilot roads or the sport touring metzlers.

 

The Metzlers on your bike do suck .. Get rid of them. Based on what you described as your riding habits take a look at Bridgestone BT012 (cheapest), Pirelli angel (mid) or Michelin Power Roads (expensive). Hased on mileage and performance I think these will give you what you are looking for. Well as long as you told the whole story.

Michelin tires have recently become cheap and you may find them at the same price as Pirelli. If that is the case those will probably work for you.

 

Tires are generally classified as being either "hard" or "soft"

Soft componds have better grip because as the tire heats up it becomes soft and sticky and it helps it grip the road. These types of tires are usually favored by agressive riders who aren't afraid to really lean the bike over in the turns. People who use these types of tire generally ride hard and go through several sets of tires a year. While these tires inspire confidence and are great for the twisty roads the downside is that they generally don't last as long as the harder compound tires especially with significant highway use. I would estimate that you can get between 3000 and 4000 miles on soft compounds versus 5000-8000 miles for the harder compound tires which are made to withstand higher mileage and are better suited for longer straighter distances. Dual compound tires combine the best of both worlds since the soft compound is used on the tire edges while harder longer lasting compounds are used in the center of the tire. Decide what is important to you and then base your decision on that. Do you ride in the rain much? How much are you wanting to spend? Do you plan on taking the bike to a dealership or have a friend change the tires for you?

Here is a good link with tire comparisons based on various factors (traction, cornering, noise, etc.)

http://www.mototirereviews.com/tire_reviews.htm

Regards,
Rollin

 

Steven is right. There a a lot of differing opinions on here concerning tires. There are definitely a few things to keep in mind when asking something like this. First is that different people ride differently and that the tires will respond different for everyone. The second is that the best you know is only the best you've ever had.

I've done a ton of reading on different tires and what everyone has to say on X tire or Y tire. The one thing that I can say by going through somewhere about two sets a year is that I've started learning what the different tires to for me personally. Most notably is that I've learned to go back through all of those "oh shit" moments and start to look back at what went wrong, what went right, and what is different than when that has happened before. What it all comes down to MOST of the time is that my tires are different than before. Some of the tires that I've thought were great in the past I've learned are actually junk to me, despite others raving about them.

From the riding style that you describe, it sounds like just about any tires will do. Some tires might suit you better than others but if you're not knee dragging then you're probably not pushing too hard for what is out there when using them on the street.

I've not had a chance the use the Bridgestone's yet but I've had on Dunlops, Avons, Michelins, and Pirelli's. I didn't get a chance to ride long on the Dunlops too long but I've liked the Michelins the best so far as of now followed by the Pirelli's, Avons, and Dunlops in the order. The Michelins just seem to stick better for me and are much better in the rain which is important to me since I do ride in the rain quite a bit.

 

+1 to what Rollin said.

I did about 4 weeks worth of research before dropping the $$$ on a new set. You have to match your riding style with the type of tire. I finally went with the Bridgestone Battlax BT-016. I haven't had them that long and they seem to be wearing good. I should be able to go through this next riding season with no issues with my style of riding. Good luck.

 

I really like the Dunlop Roadsmarts-- they feature dual compound rear (soft on shoulders for cornering, harder center for life on the road), and the front is single compound of the soft of the rear (fronts tend to last longer about 2 to 1 over rears anyway). I replaced my Metzelers with them. On the last of the second set and going to buy another pair. I got about 9k out of the last set.

 

Okay I have several people now say good things about Pilot Roads, and BattleAxes. The pilot roads seem to get great reviews but are high priced. The Pilot Road 2 are the same thing but in the dual compound. For the battle axes though I have some suggest the 020 as apposed to the 016 suggested by AFPearce. The 016 "from the pics i have seen" seem to have a much higher crown to them, and I dont beleive I would like that. The Battleaxe 023 seems to be a popular one as well that is a dual Compound. So I guess does anyone have any input to help me between these 4 choices?

Michelin Pilot Road
Michelin Pilot Road 2
Battleaxe 020
Battleaxe 023

I know the Michelin are pricey but If several of you here beleive they are worth the extra $$$ then I would spend it.

Thanks

 

Bang for the buck I still say Continental Road attacks. I got about 9000 miles out of my last set and like you I'm not into stunting but love hitting the twisties hard. Tires are something I would never go cheap on.:cheersaf:

 

I've never tried the Conti's but almost everyone I knows says they are great! Based on what I've heard I would have to agree with your statement!

Rollin

 

Have a set of Pilot 2CT coming in tomorrow. The Bridgestones (OEM's), which sat on the floor for three years, didn't last but 4500 miles. Rear mostly. Ok the NEWNESS of owning one of these rides surely contributed to the accellerated wear and I know sport bike rides wear out those stickyier tires (I'm not complaining-- just smilin) as I have realized over the years. If I have FUN on the ride- the tires suffer. Ride my Wings some 40K a year and the 1800 radials wear out in 8-10K; my 1500 goes 15-18K on the rears. HP=tirewear. Not a factor to me anymore just how and where I ride. Power downshifts with braking and engine braking do some skuffing too as does the right hand. I'll report how these held up when they wear out. Good luck with your choices.